A review by judeinthestars
Something New by Jacqueline Ramsden

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0



This will probably be my last holiday book of the year and it gave me everything I love about these stories: the perfect setting, sweet and sexy characters, flirty banter…

For their Christmas wedding, Thea’s younger sister Lenore and her fiancé have invited their loved ones and extended family to spend the week at a beautiful lodge in Montana. While she would have preferred her ex-boyfriend to not be there, Thea is happy for the couple and determined to enjoy herself. Falling for the wedding planner wasn’t on her bingo card, especially since said wedding planner is a woman.

Both exhilarated and intimidated by her feelings, Thea is my favourite kind of character: she knows what she wants without being overconfident, she’s relatable, but she also represents a person the reader can look up to, can project themselves into in that way fairytale characters have of offering an escape from reality.

On the other side of the crush is Erin, ultra competent, kindly teasing, obviously delighted with Thea’s personality. The professional in her wants to try and resist the attraction to her client’s sibling, yet she quickly realises that there’s nothing she can do to stop what’s meant to be.

There are no spoilers in what I just wrote, Something New is a pretty straightforward romance, in the best way possible. It’s very low-angst, full of warmth and good feelings. The interactions between the main characters are enchanting, the best friends on both sides are wonderfully pushy and loving, and Thea’s family provides the requisite embarrassing, eye roll-worthy encounters.

I’ve enjoyed Jacqueline Ramsden’s writing style since the first book I read, I always like their characters, but I feel her books could be even better with some editing/proofreading, if only to minimise the repetition of words in the same sentence. Despite this minor grumble, I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a quick, entertaining, satisfying read.

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars